Last month I did a blogger Q&A with the Knicks blog What Would Oakley Do? before the Knicks game and liked the result. So why not another? With the Blazers hosting the Pistons tonight, here's a Q&A with Need4Sheed.com to preview the game. And here are my As to some Qs.

Blazers Blog: The Blazers and Pistons already faced off this year, with Portland taking the 96-85 W behind 27 points from LaMarcus Aldridge. How do you see this version going down?

Need4Sheed: Detroit is playing much better than they were when the teams first met. I don't know if LaMarcus will go off for more than 20 again. When a certain player burns Detroit, they usually try to lock them down the next time around. I'm hoping they extend their seven game streak with a W, and this time it's not a Sunday.

BB: You got a first-hand look at Portland in November. Impressions?

N4S: I went into that game liking the team, no surprise to me how well they play. Roy impresses me to no end. I love that LaMarcus can be explosive and knock down the 15 footer like it was nothing. When you have a pleasant surprise like Rudy Fernandez playing like he is, this team is just exciting to watch. And the fact that Przybilla is playing well too just makes the Blazers that much better.

BB: What's the view on this young Trail Blazers team from afar? Any Blazers you wouldn't mind having (or you would trade for)?

N4S: I don't know about what the rest of the basketball fans around here think, but the Blazers are just hard not to notice. Who wouldn't I trade for is more like it. You can keep Shavlik and Raef, we can work out a deal on the others.

BB: How is this team different/better/worse with AI than it was with Billups? Is there any regret over the trade?

N4S:You could make an argument for both. There were a few transition pains when AI first joined the team, but I don't think they were necessarily his fault. It's obvious that he's doing just what he set out to do and blend with the team and (play) the team ball that Detroit plays. The problem was (originally) he was playing out of position and when he finally was playing the two everyone else was playing out of their position. With Rodney Stuckey at the point, Rip sidelined because of injury, AI at the two and Tayshaun back at SF things have started to click. The small ball didn't work and the Pistons seven-game winning streak shows that.

I miss Chauncey, but something needed to be done. Happy Mr. Big Shot is flourishing in his home town but it was clear the results would be the same if things stayed the same. It was a move for now and the future, more for the future with the cap room. Regret....no.

BB: Who's the most indispensable Piston in your mind?

N4S: Hard question and the reason being is because they have always been a team that relied on each other to win. I could be selfish and say Sheed just because he entertains me, but right now you may be surprised at my answer.

Rodney Stuckey, for the simple fact that right now without a true point guard on the squad and the way he's playing it would hard to make a case for anyone else.

BB: What Piston has surprised the most this season?

N4S: Rasheed--and not in a good way. He's already at 12 technical fouls for the season and he's not as consistent as he's been in the past. Sure he can hit a clutch three when we need him and his defense has been the key for us but there is always that "he could be so much more" if he wanted to. He's still SHEEDtasic in my book though.

BB: Any feeling the Pistons will make another move by the trading deadline?

N4S: I bet Joe Dumars is on his Blackberry right now working on something. He's not going to make a trade just to make a trade, but I still feel he may have something in the works before the All Star break, whether it big or small.

BB: If you had to keep Jason Maxiell or Rodney Stuckey, who is it?

N4S: Love Maxiell to death but no question it has to be Stuckey. He's moved right in the Chauncey place and has proven he can run the team.

BB: Is another EC Finals run (and ultimate dismissal in 6 games) on the horizon for Detroit this year? If the Pistons don't make the NBA Finals, does this team get blown up?

N4S: My guess is if they don't get to the championship things will change. AI's contract is up after the season, so is Rasheed's, and with 30 plus million to play with after the season is over it's hard to say things won't be different.

BB: Is the entire Eastern Conference ready to see the Larry O'Brien trophy post up in Portland during the years of 2011-14 (and possibly beyond)?

N4S: I don't know about that many years (don't jinx yourself), but I will admit that I love to watch the Blazers play. They are my West Coast team; I'm hoping they go places this season. With Roy only getting better, LaMarcus turning into one of the biggest studs I have seen and the fact that Oden has yet to even break the surface ... the future looks bright.

BB: How much does the city of Detroit miss Darko?

N4S: Well they are finally getting some use out of the old Darko jerseys they couldn't sell at 2/$1.00. Who knew the ball boys could find a better way to mop up the Palace floor.

BB: And how much need is there for Sheed?

N4S: There will always be a Need4Sheed in my book, but noting stays the same forever. It would be hard to replace a guy who is such a presence but the Blazers are look like they survived just fine.

BB: Finally, tell Joe Dumars Portland says "Thanks for nothing." Denver was a mess with AI. Chauncey Billups is helping the Nuggets take control of the NW Division now.

N4S: He's counting ticket and jersey sales right now since Iverson trade so he's not answering his calls, but I'm sure he's broken up over it.

A big thanks to the lovely Natalie Sitto of Need4Sheed.com for taking the time to answer the Qs.